HIV Treatment

HIV Treatment

Antiretroviral drugs stop HIV from replicating and growing. The antiretrovirals attack specific parts within the virus replication cycle to either block replication, prevent a necessary component to be made or prevent the virus from attaching to the T-cell (white blood cell) in the first place.

Recently Answered

If you were diagnosed with AIDS in 1990, you might expect to live for only 26 months. During that time, you would be likely to contract a number of opportunistic infections that would make your remaining days unpleasant and painful. The only treatment available had to be taken every four hours - around the clock - and had serious side effects.

Thanks to the approval in 1995 of protease inhibitors - and further advancements in new medicines and combination therapies in the decade since - the AIDS death rate has fallen by 70 percent. If diagnosed today, a range of treatment options (including different combinations of drugs) might be able to keep you symptom-free for years to come.

When the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emerged in the early 1980s, it was considered a death sentence because there were few drugs available to treat the virus and resulting opportunistic infections. Since then, a number of drugs have been developed and approved to treat both HIV and its opportunistic infections.

These medications have extended the lives of many people living with HIV, including children. None of these medications offers a cure for HIV, though, and they are expensive and have severe side effects. And, unfortunately, some people develop a resistance to the drugs after being on them for a long time. They are not an easy solution to infection with HIV.

Side effects may include fatigue, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. Body fat may accumulate on the upper back and abdomen, with a reduction in the face, arms, and legs.

More serious side effects include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, enlarged or fatty liver, kidney failure, and weakened bones with pain and fractures. Your immune system may begin to attack healthy cells, causing diseases such as Graves disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

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Genvoya is one of the preferred drug regimens for people who have not yet taken drugs to treat HIV. Genvoya consists of 4 antiretroviral drugs in 1 pill. These are elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.

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Prezcobix is a combination of the drugs darunavir and cobicistat, intended for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Darunavir is a protease inhibitor and cobicistat is a CYP3A inhibitor; together they help prevent the virus from infecting new cells. It is not a cure. Prezcobix is a tablet meant to be taken once a day with food. Prezcobix may cause side effects including headache, diarrhea, rash, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen. More serious effects include hepatitis, severe skin reactions, diabetes, and the development of autoimmune diseases. There is believed to be a risk to the fetus in pregnant patients; a decision must be made in this case whether the benefits outweigh the risks. It is not recommended for patients under three years old. Liver function may be affected, and should be monitored during use. To avoid drug interactions, patients must make clear all drugs and supplements they take to their healthcare providers.

Evotaz is intended to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It combines two drugs, atazanavir (a protease inhibitor) and cobicistat (a CYP3A inhibitor). These drugs prevent HIV from reproducing and slow damage to the immune system, but do not cure the infection. Evotaz is a once-daily tablet, taken with food. It is not recommended for patients with liver impairment or end-stage kidney disease with hemodialysis, or for children under three months of age; pregnant women may be prescribed Evotaz if the benefits are thought to outweigh risks. Evotaz may interact with a number of other drugs, including rifampin, lovastatin, St. John's wort, and alfuzosin; patients should make sure their doctor knows all drugs and supplements they are taking. Side effects include allergic reaction; nausea; jaundice; a blistering, peeling rash; weight gain around the neck, upper back, breast, and face; lightheadedness; and urination problems. Alert your doctor if you have any of these.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment for people who have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. ART requires taking a specific "cocktail" of antiretroviral drugs every day exactly as prescribed. ART is not a cure for HIV, however it can:

slow down the virus and prevent it from multiplying

reduce the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can fight off infections and diseases better

prevent the transmission of HIV to others

The medications used in ART fall into six distinct classes of drugs, based on the different approaches they take to fighting HIV. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends starting ART with a regimen of three different medications from at least two different drug classes. ART is recommended for everyone who has been diagnosed with HIV, but determining the best combination of drugs and the best time to start ART is something that each affected individual needs to discuss with his or her own doctor.

People with HIV should be extremely careful about using alternative medicines or treatments. There are many fraudulent treatments that may be promoted as cures. The prescription drugs used to treat HIV are evolving and becoming more effective. Certain alternative or complementary treatments may help your quality of life. Vitamin and mineral supplements are usually safe and can provide nutritional assistance. Stress relief such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture has helped people with HIV. Acupuncturists use new sterilized needles. Make sure that they are aware of your condition. Do not take any herbal or homeopathic remedies without consulting your primary physician; some supplements, like St. John's wort, may interfere with some HIV drugs. Some people with HIV find that smoking marijuana helps them with their symptoms, increases appetite, and reduces stress.